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Laugh Chat

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Laugh Chat is a series where we interview Boston’s hottest comedians to get their take on all things Boston.

This week, we talk to Brent Morin - star of NBC’s hit show, “Undateable,” about a group of friends that need a little help finding relationships. Morin got his start in the industry performing stand-up comedy across the country. The Connecticut native brings his act to Boston for shows at Laugh Boston tonight and tomorrow.

Is it true that you’re a New Englander?Yes. I was born and raised in Connecticut about an hour and a half away I’m a Boston fan through and through - love the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox. Just not the Yankees.

What’s your take on Boston sports right now? Boston sports are like a roller coaster - up and down all the time. I think the future for Boston sports is bright. With Kevin Love coming, it could change everything - unless we get Lebron. As for the Sox, they’ll be in the playoffs and that’s all that matter. Once we get to the playoffs...IT’S ON!.

You’re headlining Laugh Boston this weekend, and from what I understand you got your start doing stand-up. Yeah. I started when I was 18 and moved to LA. I worked the scene out there. I didn’t have a ton of money to travel, but when I’d come home at Christmas, I’d always try to get gigs up here. I loved performing in Boston.

Happy to be back touring again? Oh yeah definitely. I look forward to it. You know, when you’re performing on the road, you get a lot of gigs you don’t want to do. A gig in Boston is one you look forward to. Love it here.

We also understand that you’ve spent years as part of Team Coco, working with Conan O’Brien. What was that like? It was really great. I started when I was around 21 or 22 as a production assistant getting coffee. It didn’t pay much, but it was job that paid so I wasn’t homeless. I really grew there. Eventually, I would get the chance to stand in for Andy Richter and it was great for my career. Conan is great. He’s another New England guy! He’s been like a mentor to me - so great and supportive. He’s the definition of a comedic genius. He’s had me back to do stand-up.

Your NBC show, “Undateable,” just finished taping its first season, right?Correct, and we were rated one of the top summer comedies in five years. That’s big for us! Summer is tough for programming and next week is a big week for viewers to tune in. By doing so, you’ll be doing us a huge favor. It could help us get a second season. Honestly, there are so many funny people on the cast and it’s a great show to watch. You won’t regret it.

Was it easy to make the switch from stand-up to sitcom?

Actually, it was easier than I thought. We have a live audience for our tapings. Stand-up helped us learn to react to their laughter, know how to hold, slow down, or pause to make a joke hit even harder. That was a pleasant surprise for when we started.

On “Undateable” you play Justin, a guy without a lot of luck in the love department. Did you suffer from such misfortunes in dating growing up? Of course. Definitely in my life I have had some awkwardness. As a comedian coming up, I had a sense of insecurity and tendency to overanalyze. Though Justin is different from me in his daily life, he’s such a fun character to play. A lot of people relate to him because we’ve all had embarrassing moments in our dating history. Justin is like a heightened version of what we all go through at some point. One piece of advice for all those looking for love in Boston? Here’s my only advice: Believe in yourself. When you’re growing up, you have a lot of insecurities, but you need be confident in who you are. For example, I learned that I’m not a hot guy. Now, I’m not ugly, but I’m not a hot guy. I couldn’t pull off a tight v-neck t-shirt. Once I figured that out, dating got easier because I knew who I was, and who I wasn’t.Oh, and don’t get stuck in the friend zone. That’s the worst. Ask the questions up front. “Do you have a boyfriend?” “Do you want to go on a date?” You have to be more direct without a being a drunken mess. Avoid drunken and excessive flirting. It could get you in a headlock. Anything you’re looking forward to doing while you’re here in Boston?I can’t wait to see the city and eat at T. Anthony’s on Comm. Ave for steak tips ravioli. It’s my go to meal.Maybe I’ll catch a baseball game, but I’ll most likely just hit the bar scene and try not to aggressively hit on women and end up in a headlock.

Brent Morin in performing at Laugh Boston on June 6th at 8 pm, and June 7th at 8 pm and 10:15 pm. For tickets or more information, visit www.laughboston.com, or call the box office at 617-72-LAUGH.